To the south of Braunton Great Field and to the east of Braunton Burrows is the rich pastureland of Braunton Marsh where the only clue to it being a former saltmarsh until 1815 are the depressions left by the old creeks. The range of wildlife here is almost certainly greater than when it was a tidal saltmarsh. The network of drainage ditches lined with the beautiful yellow flag irises are important habitat for dragonflies, damselflies, otters, kingfishers, moorhens and swans and the scattering of rustic barns, known as linhays, provide homes for barn owls. At high tide, the damp pasture fields are an important roosting area for wading birds from the estuary and the waterlogged creeks attract birds like snipe, herons and little egrets.
Horsey Island, now a Devon Wildlife Trust Reserve, has since its reversion to saltmarsh and mudflats become one of the best places in the Taw/Torridge Estuary to see large flocks of feeding and roosting wildfowl and waders, as well as rarities such as spoonbill, great white egret and migrating osprey.
Mary Breeds will talk about the history and ecology of the special landscape of Braunton Marsh and Andy Leat, a local ornithologist and bird photographer will show us some of the spectacular birdlife that can be seen here.
Please book your place via our website. Suggested £4 donation* on the day.
*The Braunton Countryside Centre is a small volunteer-run charity. We rely on donations to keep our doors open and maintain a vibrant events programme. We also want to make sure our events are open to all, regardless of circumstances. So, although we do not charge event fees, we do ask for a suggested minimum donation of £4 per person, but any amount you are happy/able to give would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to further contribute to our running costs, you can become a Friend of Braunton Countryside Centre for £15 per year. Please find the details on our website, or ask at the Centre.
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